Hand launching a Herr Pitts...

[JFranco]

Hi,

I have a Herr Pitts with a Norvel .074 that I am going to have to hand launch, grass is too long at the field.
I have never hand launched any planes before. Any tips and how to go about
this? I am right handed.

Also, for those that have built this plane, how did you set up your fuel lines for refueling. I have the fuel intake line set up a little longer so I can access it from the bottom. I was not going to take the cowl off every time I had to refuel.

Thanks

[Viper Pilot]

I trhink you'll find that the 0.074 is WAYYYYYY too small for that plane. I'm using an OS .20 LA and it is barely sufficient.

VP

[Lynn S]

Have you weighed it yet? a lot depends on how heavy it is for the amout of power of the .074. I haven't lauched a bipe yet but the extra wing should help with lift.
If you can do a test glide into some tall grass, that will let you know if your trim is ok or not. You can try that with the engine running at idle.
Most of my planes weigh around 20 ounces or less, so if its heavier than that it will take that much more to get it launced. If the trim and balance is just right it should do ok it just depends on the weight.
If you have some wind blowing be sure to run into the wind, hold it head high, and when you reach full stride give it smooth level throw. Trim is critical, just a little too much up or down can cause a crash. Its best not to touch the sticks until it has some speed built up. If you start moving the controls too early that can cause it to stall, so thats why good straight and level trim is important. You don't quite have enough power to get out of trouble early on. If things are going badly just chop the throttle and let it land.
Edit: I assumed that you are going to launch it yourself.That may be hard to do by yourself. Since it has a low wing I'm not sure if you can get a good grip on the bottom of the plane behind the wing. That is a problem when I lauch my Simple P-51, holding it behing the wing. It would probably be better to have an experienced plane launcher with the plane and you hold the tx. He could use both hands to keep it balanced until time to launch.

[TheCrow]

Well, what i do with my foam planes is pretty easy. I hold the plane in my left hand, throttle up with my mouth :cool: and keep my right thumb on the stick for full control since thats the stick you use most. Hope this helps.

[Lynn S]

I'm right handed and I don't think I could throw an airplane lefthanded. Its best not to touch the stick anyway for a few seconds after launch if possible. I have heard of someone who got mixed up and launched his Tx, not the plane.

[JFranco]

:( Well, I did give it a shot, tried hand launching, no good.
Tried putting bigger wheels on it, rolls fine, but not enough juice to break
ground.
Had someone else try to hand launch and no good either.
So, looks like a bigger powerhouse and a new home for my .074.

So what is everyone flying on their Herr Pitts?
What is a good plane for my Norvel .074?

[Lynn S]

I have an Ace Simple P-51 that has a .061 AP on it. It could use more power and a .074 would be just right for it or any of the Ace Simple Series planes.

[TRP]

I have a herr pitts - it's a 28 oz ready to fly - but... it's e powered!

I have YET to get it off the ground - it's a tough bird to get off the ground. Mine is going up for sale this weekend.

Good luck with yours!
Ted

[RiBell]

[QUOTE=JFrancoWhat is a good plane for my Norvel .074?[/QUOTE]
I really liked the Hobby Hanger mini Edge 540 (http://www.hobbyhangar.com/test/hgr190.htm) I flew mine with a Norvel 0.061 a little more power would have been nice. The Guys at hobby Hanger tell me that the 0.74 is their favorite powerplant for it. Mine got real heavy after a couple of repairs and an OS-10. I liked it a lot more after I got a computer radio and was able to dial in some Expo:
Rick.
PS the home page for Hobby Hanger (http://www.hobbyhangar.com/test/kits.htm#hgr170)